Up, Up, and Away

Do you remember that song by the Fifth Dimension, waaaaay back in the 60’s, called “Up, Up, and Away?” The lyrics talked about the freedom of soaring high in a beautiful hot air balloon.

I don’t know about you, but I have always wanted to step into one of those little baskets, slowly rise toward the heavens, and view the world from hundreds of feet above. I almost experienced it at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but the day we were to go up, there was too much smoke from forest fires, so we were unable to go for the ride. I was disappointed, but knew God must have had a reason why I was not to go. Someday, I hope to enjoy a flight on a bright-colored balloon and check this item off my “bucket list.” By the way, my husband has NO interest in sharing this experience with his adventurous wife! He said he would wave from the ground.

Our lives can be like hot air balloons sometime. We want to live in freedom and yet, there are things that keep us tied solidly to the ground. It may be a bad relationship, choices, insecurity, unforgiveness, fear, pride, anger, shame, or any number of other struggles that hold us back.

Sometimes we decide we are not going to let these struggles hold us back anymore. We try to push them out of our minds and memories and not deal with them. We “fire up” and try to rise toward freedom, but those ropes tightly hold us down. We may try counseling, go to church more regularly, or remove ourselves from a bad situation, but we have not done the very thing that can break those ties once and for all…we have not “done business” with the Lord. We may not have confessed our sins, accepted His forgiveness, forgiven ourselves , or forgiven those who have wronged us. These are strong ties that can hold down the biggest of balloons!

“If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31

He was talking to the Jews here, but it certainly applies to us today.

Visions of Him – The next time you see a hot air balloon floating in the sky above you, stop to thank Him for His goodness, His grace and His love that lifts you up so you can fly in His freedom. Look at what may be holding you back from His freedom, and break those “ties” once and for all.

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Disclaimer:

Krista Smith is not a licensed counselor. Any comments or suggestions she makes are only based on her personal experience and what she has learned through working with hundreds over the past 15 years of experience. If you are seeking professional help, please seek a licensed therapist.

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